Find Your Calm with Lemon Balm
Reviewed by Dr. Judith Thompson, ACHS Dean of Herbal Medicine
In our increasingly busy lives, finding natural ways to encourage relaxation and tranquility has become more important than ever. One gentle yet powerful ally from the herb garden is Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis. With its light lemony aroma and a history rooted in traditional herbal medicine, Lemon Balm has long been cherished for its calming and mood-lifting properties.
What is Lemon Balm?
Calming Benefits of Lemon Balm
Here are some of the ways Lemon Balm can support emotional and physical wellness:
-
Supports Stress and Anxiety: Lemon Balm has been traditionally used as a mild tonic to help maintain a balanced nervous system.
-
Promotes Healthy Sleep: Its natural calming effects make Lemon Balm a popular choice for bedtime teas and blends.
-
Supports Digestion: Stress and anxiety can affect your gut. Lemon balm helps maintain the natural balance in your microbiome.
-
Uplifts Mood: Lemon Balm supports healthy cognitive function and promotes a positive mood.
3 Simple and Soothing Lemon Balm Recipes
Want to experience the calming benefits of Lemon Balm for yourself? Here are three easy recipes to try at home:
1. Lemon Balm Relaxation Tea
Ingredients:
-
-
1 teaspoon Lemon balm Melissa officinalis leaves
-
½ teaspoon Chamomile Roman Chamaemelum nobile flowers
-
½ teaspoon Lavender Lavandula angustifolia flowers
-
Instructions:
Mix the herbs and add to a teapot. Pour two cups of boiling water over the herbs, and leave to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip: Enjoy this tea in the evening to help unwind after a long day.
2. Lemon Balm & Lavender Sleep Pillow
Ingredients:
-
-
1 cup dried Lemon balm Melissa officinalis leaves
-
½ cup dried Lavender Lavandula angustifolia flowers
-
½ cup dried German Chamomile Matricaria recutita flowers
-
Small muslin bag or scrap of breathable fabric and string
-
Instructions:
Mix all dried herbs together in a bowl. Fill your muslin bag with the mixture and tie it closed. Place the pillow near your bed, under your pillowcase, or hold it close while relaxing.
Tip: Gently squeeze the pillow before bed to release the aromatic oils.
3. Lemon Balm Bath Infusion
Ingredients:
-
-
1 ounce Lemon balm Melissa officinalis leaves
-
½ ounce Chamomile Roman Chamaemelum nobile flowers
-
¼ ounce Catnip Nepeta cataria herb
-
¼ ounce Lavender Lavandula angustifolia leaves and flowers
-
Instructions:
Place the herbs into a muslin drawstring bag, or a similar tightly woven cloth pouch, like cheesecloth. Soak the pouch in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes before getting in.
Tip: After the bath, let the herbal bag dry out completely and reuse it as a natural drawer sachet to keep linens or clothes smelling fresh.
A Note on Safety
Lemon balm is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications (especially for thyroid conditions), or have underlying health concerns, consult your healthcare provider before adding Lemon balm to your routine.
Your Next Step Toward Natural Relaxation
Lemon Balm offers a gentle, natural way to support relaxation and emotional balance, from soothing teas to calming bath infusions and aromatic sleep pillows. Embrace this time-honored herb and bring more calm into your daily routine.
Learn more ways to incorporate herbs in your daily life with HERB 101 Foundations of Herbal Studies offered by American College of Healthcare Sciences.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.